The 20 Lightest NFL Players Ever: The Smallest Players in History

Introduction

When it comes to the NFL, the spotlight often shines on powerful, heavy-hitting athletes, but there’s a special place in the game for the smallest players. Despite their lighter frames, these players have made a significant impact on the field, showcasing incredible speed, agility, and skill that make them stand out. At Blackwithgold, we’ll explore the lightest NFL players ever—the athletes who defy the odds and show that size isn’t always everything in professional football.

1. KaVontae Turpin, WR, Cowboys

Weight: 153 pounds At just 153 pounds, KaVontae Turpin holds the title as the lightest player currently active in the NFL. Known for his blazing speed, Turpin is an undrafted player who has made a name for himself as a wide receiver with the Dallas Cowboys. His smaller frame allows him to zip past defenders and make explosive plays.

2. Deven Thompkins, WR, Falcons

Weight: 155 pounds Deven Thompkins, a wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, weighs in at 155 pounds. His agility and route-running ability make him a valuable asset to his team. Thompkins’ speed and elusiveness allow him to make plays despite his smaller size.

3. Blake Grupe, K, Colts

Weight: 156 pounds The lightest kicker on the list, Blake Grupe, weighs 156 pounds. Grupe has found his niche in the NFL, contributing as a dependable kicker for the Indianapolis Colts. While kickers aren’t known for their size, Grupe’s precision and mental toughness have earned him respect in the league.

4. Calvin Austin III, WR, Steelers

Weight: 162 pounds Calvin Austin III of the Pittsburgh Steelers is another small but speedy wide receiver, coming in at 162 pounds. His speed and quickness on the field make him a valuable asset to the Steelers’ offense, often using his frame to dart around defenders.

5. Tez Johnson, WR, Buccaneers

Weight: 165 pounds Tez Johnson, a wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has a frame weighing just 165 pounds. Despite his smaller size, Johnson is known for his exceptional ball skills and ability to outmaneuver larger defenders.

6. Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs

Weight: 165 pounds At 165 pounds, Xavier Worthy plays as a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs. His impressive acceleration and ability to create separation from defenders make him one of the most exciting lighter players in the league.

7. Derius Davis, WR, Chargers

Weight: 165 pounds Derius Davis of the Los Angeles Chargers is another receiver who defies size expectations. At just 165 pounds, Davis has demonstrated the ability to make big plays with his impressive speed, agility, and route-running skills.

8. Tutu Atwell, WR, Rams

Weight: 165 pounds Known for his speed, Tutu Atwell of the Los Angeles Rams is another wide receiver who tips the scale at only 165 pounds. Atwell has made waves in the NFL with his ability to make plays downfield, even against larger defenders.

9. Jake Elliott, K, Eagles

Weight: 167 pounds As one of the lighter kickers in the NFL, Jake Elliott of the Philadelphia Eagles weighs 167 pounds. While his job isn’t reliant on size, Elliott’s consistency and strong leg have made him a key player for the Eagles.

10. Keyon Martin, CB, Ravens

Weight: 170 pounds Keyon Martin, a cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens, weighs in at 170 pounds. His smaller stature doesn’t hinder his ability to cover wide receivers effectively, as he excels in agility and anticipation.

11. Kameron Johnson, WR, Buccaneers

Weight: 170 pounds Kameron Johnson, another wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, weighs 170 pounds. Despite his smaller build, Johnson’s ability to make key plays and create separation from defenders is undeniable.

12. LaJohntay Wester, WR, Ravens

Weight: 170 pounds LaJohntay Wester of the Baltimore Ravens shares the same weight as Johnson at 170 pounds. His ability to stay elusive on the field makes him a player to watch, despite his smaller frame.

13. DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles

Weight: 170 pounds DeVonta Smith, a standout wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, is known for his quickness and reliability. At 170 pounds, Smith is a force on the field, showcasing his ability to make big plays and contribute to his team’s success.

14. Gage Larvadain, WR, Browns

Weight: 171 pounds Gage Larvadain of the Cleveland Browns weighs 171 pounds. His smaller frame doesn’t stop him from being a dynamic receiver with exceptional speed and the ability to create big plays.

15. Josh Downs, WR, Colts

Weight: 171 pounds Josh Downs, another wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, tips the scales at 171 pounds. Downs is known for his ability to break free from defenders, despite his smaller size.

16. Cam Little, K, Jaguars

Weight: 172 pounds At 172 pounds, Cam Little is one of the smaller kickers in the league. Playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, his strong leg and consistency have earned him a spot on the roster.

17. Emmanuel Forbes Jr., CB, Rams

Weight: 173 pounds Emmanuel Forbes Jr., a cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams, is 173 pounds. His lighter frame doesn’t take away from his ability to cover wide receivers effectively, demonstrating that speed and agility can outweigh size.

18. Britain Covey, WR, Eagles

Weight: 173 pounds At 173 pounds, Britain Covey of the Philadelphia Eagles uses his speed to his advantage, making him a dangerous player on the field despite his smaller size.

19. Cairo Santos, K, Bears

Weight: 173 pounds Cairo Santos, the kicker for the Chicago Bears, rounds out the list at 173 pounds. Santos’ consistency and ability to remain calm under pressure have made him an important player for the Bears.

20. Scotty Miller, WR, Steelers

Weight: 174 pounds Scotty Miller, a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is 174 pounds. Despite his smaller frame, Miller’s ability to make big plays and contribute to his team’s offense has earned him a spot on this list.

Conclusion

In the NFL, size might not always be the determining factor in a player’s success. As we’ve seen, some of the lightest players in the league—like KaVontae Turpin and DeVonta Smith—prove that skill, speed, and determination can outshine sheer muscle. Whether it’s in speed, agility, or playmaking ability, these lightweights continue to prove their worth, making significant contributions to their teams.

FAQs

Q1: Who is the lightest player in the NFL?

A1: The lightest active NFL player is KaVontae Turpin, weighing just 153 pounds.

Q2: Who holds the title for the lightest player in NFL history?

A2: While KaVontae Turpin is the lightest current player, historically, players such as Jack “Soapy” Williams have been noted for their small frames, weighing in at just 148 pounds.

Q3: Can smaller NFL players still make an impact?

A3: Absolutely! Players like DeVonta Smith and KaVontae Turpin demonstrate that speed, agility, and skill can make up for a lack of size, showing that smaller players can still have a huge impact on the field.

Q4: What position do the lightest NFL players usually play?

A4: The lightest NFL players typically play positions that require speed and agility, such as wide receivers (WR), kick returners, and kickers (K). These positions benefit from quick reflexes and fast movement rather than raw strength.